Payne Theological Seminary

Virtual Doctorate of Ministry Opening Worship Service
2020-08-24 11:15 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Virtual
The Doctorate of Ministry Degree Program presents the Fall 2020 Intensive Virtual Opening Worship Service on August 24, 2020, at 11:15 AM. This year’s guest preacher is the Reverend Dr. Alton Elwood of New Mt. Zion AME Church in Tallahassee, FL.
Please join us virtually by registering at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sc-2srzwoHdRJ3xC0qmgdA00qCc1HYh2l or Zoom Meeting ID 891 4441 7270.

Doctor of Ministry Spring 2021 Intensive Events
2021-01-25 11:00 - 2021-01-29 17:00
Every January the Doctor of Ministry Program holds a week-long intensive for its students that includes a week of programs geared to uplifting the church, ministers, and the congregants. This semester’s featured guests are Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis. Mr. Ron Coleman, Min. Ananias Montague, and Dr. Selwyn Bachus.
All of the Intensive events below are free and open to the public. Please use the link to register.
OPENING WORSHIP with Dr. Bryant-Davis: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tdOCoqj8qE9Pd2PBvfjZG4S95FP15Cmgb
PLENARY I with Mr. Coleman: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcodOqspz4sGNJmchtAsXPjWlOzQhF3o8CK
PLENARY II with Min. Montague: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrduGhrz4rHtJH7EolNS9kwGu545FqHJJM
PLENARY III with Dr. Bachus: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvc-2hqz8uGNO30RRN-xzVtEx8crTTSuBs
PLENARY IV Panel Discussion: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkd-mtpzgiG9Q6xKH0RXpOBPw9ceYqLzxo

Spring 2021 D.Min Opening Worship Service
2021-01-25 11:15 - 12:00
Every January the Doctor of Ministry Program holds a week-long intensive for its students that includes a week of programs geared to uplifting the church, ministers, and the congregants. This year the Opening Worship Service features Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis. The Opening Worship Service is free and open to the public. Please use the link to register https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tdOCoqj8qE9Pd2PBvfjZG4S95FP15Cmgb
Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis is a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, and sacred artist who has worked nationally and globally to provide relief and empowerment to marginalized persons. Dr. Thema, a professor at Pepperdine University, is a past president of the Society for the Psychology of Women. Her contributions to psychological research, policy, and practice have been honored by national and regional psychological associations.
Dr. Thema earned her doctorate from Duke University, completed her post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical Center, and is a past American Psychological Association representative to the United Nations.
She has served as a mental health media consultant for numerous print, radio, and television media outlets, including but not limited to the Huffington Post, NPR, CBS, Oxygen, CNN, BET, TV One, Lifetime, and We TV.

D.Min Plenary Session I with Mr. Ron Coleman
2021-01-26 10:00 - 12:30
Every January the Doctor of Ministry Program holds a week-long intensive for its students that includes a week of programs geared to uplifting the church, ministers, and the congregants. This year the first Plenary Session features Mr. Ron Coleman. The Plenary Session is free and open to the public. Please use the link to register.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcodOqspz4sGNJmchtAsXPjWlOzQhF3o8CK
Ron Coleman is a native of Omaha Nebraska and has worked in the Information Technology industry for over 30 years. Ron also has numerous years of experience with photography and video production and has been a professional photographer for over 15 years. Ron has an Associate’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from Bellevue University.

D.Min Plenary Session II with Min. Ananias Montague
2021-01-27 10:00 - 12:30
Every January the Doctor of Ministry Program holds a week-long intensive for its students that includes a week of programs geared to uplifting the church, ministers, and the congregants. Plenary Session II features Min. Ananias Montague. The Plenary Session is free and open to the public. Please use the link to register.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrduGhrz4rHtJH7EolNS9kwGu545FqHJJM
Minister Ananias “Markey” Montague was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He has been the Minister of Music and Fine Arts at the Salem Baptist Church for ten years. He has produced five music projects in his time at Salem. He has worked with Richard Smallwood, Ricky Dillard, Kim McFarland, Lyle Lovett, and many others. He has also toured Europe spreading the Gospel through song. Currently, he is working on his dual Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Biblical Studies. This year Minister Montague will be featured as the workshop conductor in Rome at Choirfest. He will also be on tour in Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and France. In 2020, he will be the Artist in Residency at the University of Dayton! He is married to the former Darinda Westbrook. Minister Montague’s motto is “Be authentic in everything”.

D.Min Plenary Session III with Rev. Dr. Bachus
2021-01-28 10:00 - 12:30
Every January the Doctor of Ministry Program holds a week-long intensive for its students that includes a week of programs geared to uplifting the church, ministers, and the congregants. Plenary Session III features Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus. The Plenary Session is free and open to the public. Please use the link to register.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvc-2hqz8uGNO30RRN-xzVtEx8crTTSuBs
Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus was born in Helena, Arkansas but relocated shortly after with his family to Kansas City, Kansas, where his father still serves as pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Pastor Bachus accepted Christ at an early age and accepted his “call to the ministry” while a freshman in college. The former elementary school teacher originally decided to work part-time in the ministry, but sensed the call to further prepare himself for fulltime ministry.

He received a B.S. in Elementary Education from Emporia State University, the Master of Divinity from the School of Theology of Virginia Union University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, and the Doctorate of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary of Dayton, Ohio.
Pastor Bachus served as the Senior Pastor of First Union Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia and the Shiloh Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio before being called as Senior Pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Omaha, Nebraska.

2021 Commencement
2021-05-14 10:00 - 12:30 | Virtual
Payne Theological Seminary invites you to join the graduates of the Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity Programs on Friday, May 14, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. est for our Virtual Commencement.
https://www.facebook.com/PayneTheologicalSeminary

Doctor of Ministry Fall 2021 Intensive-Opening Worship
2021-08-23 19:00 - 21:00 | St. Philip Monumental A.M.E. Church, 1112 Jefferson St., Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
The Doctor of Ministry Program will kick off the week-long 2021 Fall Intensive for its students, which will include a week of programs geared to uplifting the church, ministers, and the congregants. This Fall the Opening Worship Service features Bishop Timothy J. Clarke of First Church of God in Columbus, OH. The Opening Worship Service is free and open to the public.
Bishop Timothy Joseph Clarke is a faithful pastor, anointed teacher, strategic thinker, and an articulate and prolific preacher. His love of God and people are expansive enough to reach the nations and microscopic enough to touch individuals on a personal level. He is the visionary leader and Senior Pastor of First Church of God in Columbus, OH, where under his dynamic and prophetic leadership, First Church has become a spiritual beacon at the local and national level. Called to the ministry in January 1974, Bishop Clarke served as the Associate Minister at First Church of God, in his hometown of Far Rockaway, New York, under his mentor, the late Dr. James E. Cray. Bishop Clarke began his pastorate at York Avenue Church of God (Warren, OH) in November 1977 and faithfully served the congregation for four years. Bishop Clarke became the Senior Pastor of First Church of God in February 1982 after receiving the call in November 1981. His consecration to the office of Bishop transpired in September of 2001.
Bishop Clarke is the founder and Chief Prelate of the Berean Fellowship, an international assembly, partnering with pastors of small to mid-size churches and young pastors, and those new to pastoral ministry. Through the Berean Fellowship, Bishop Clarke equips pastors and leaders with the tools necessary to do effective ministry while offering a place of love, acceptance, and affirmation.
During the 37 years, Bishop Clarke has led the First Church of God, he has served in Christian leadership positions at the local and national levels and has been privileged to sit on the board of organizations and associations that have benefitted both people and community. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including induction into the Morehouse College Board of Preachers.
Bishop Clarke’s standard of excellence is apparent in his commitment to not only ministry but also education. He holds a Certificate of Theology and Ministry (Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ); Bachelor of Theology (Graduate Theological Foundation, Mishawaka, IN); Master of Ministry (Southern California School of Ministry, Los Angeles, CA); Doctorate of Divinity (Mid-America University, Oklahoma City, OK); Doctorate of Humanities (Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, OH); Doctorate of Divinity (Anderson University, Anderson IN).
Bishop Clarke ministers to our heart and encourages our soul through the numerous books he has published inclusive of his latest Celebrating the Family: Lessons from the Book of Ruth. Bishop Clarke has maintained a fellowship with the National Association of the Church of God and has served in several leadership capacities including President of the National Inspirational Youth Convention, Chairman, and Vice-Chairman of the General Assembly; and President, Vice-President and Presiding Elder.
Bishop Clarke is currently the Chairman of the General Assembly and President of the Ministers Counsel which represents both the governing and functional boards of the Church of God International Assembly.
Bishop Clarke is the husband of Lady Clytemnestra Lawson Clarke, and a loving father and grandfather.

Doctor of Ministry Fall 2021 Intensive Plenary Session I with Dr. Frank E. Glover, Jr.
2021-08-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Thompson Savannah 201 Port Street, Savannah, Georgia, United States, 31401 +1 912 790 1234, 201 Port Street, Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
The week-long intensive plenary sessions will focus on health and the black church. The first session will delve into a Historical Overview of Public Health in the Black Church. This session will be presented by Dr. Frank E. Glover, Jr.
Dr. Glover is a board-certified Urologist in Georgia. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Georgia, a Masters Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, and two Doctoral degrees from Johns Hopkins University one from the School of Medicine and the other from the School of Hygiene and Public Health.
Dr. Glover has given testimony before United States Congress on Ebola Response to West African Epidemic, received a commendation from Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for Health Care in Liberia, and been named National Medical Association Practitioner of the Year Award.
He is also an Ordained Baptist Minister and has traveled to the world. Dr. Glover has also worked with the following ministries: Medical Missions Liberia, West Africa, Medical Missions Zaire, Central Africa
Community Health Fairs, Preaching at Churches Nationally and in Africa, Home Weekly Discipleship Bible Studies for local pastors, and Sermon Preparation Course for area pastors and ministers biweekly.

Doctor of Ministry Fall Intensive Plenary Session II with Rev. Dorleena Sammons Hackett, SM, CPM
2021-08-25 09:00 - 11:30 | Thompson Savannah 201 Port Street, Savannah, Georgia, United States, 31401 +1 912 790 1234, 201 Port Street, Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
The week-long intensive plenary sessions will focus on health and the black church. The second session will delve into Vaccines, Experimental Drugs & Unfamiliar Drugs, and the Black Church and Community. This session will be presented by Rev. Doreleena Sammons Hackett, SM, CPM.
Rev. Sammons Hackett has over 40 years of experience of public experience with 27 years in Chronic Disease and Health Promotion program development and implementation including breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancers; cardiovascular disease prevention; gerontology; injury prevention; women’s health; HIV/AIDS awareness; health education; physical activity and program integration. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pre-Medicine from Bennett College for Women, a Master of Science Degree in Public Health Nutrition from Harvard School of Public Health, and is a current student in the Doctorate in Ministry Program in Pastoral Care at Payne Theological Seminary.
Rev. Sammons Hackett works as the Project Director at the Society for Public Health Education in Washington DC and serves as an Associate Minister at the First Baptist Church of Highland Park in Landover, MD.

Doctor of Ministry Fall 2021 Intensive Plenary Session III with Dr. Lewis Kola
2021-08-26 09:00 - 11:30 | Thompson Savannah 201 Port Street, Savannah, Georgia, United States, 31401 +1 912 790 1234, 201 Port Street, Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
The week-long intensive plenary sessions will focus on health and the black church. The third session will delve into Mental Health as a Public Health Concern for the Black Church. This session will be presented by Dr. Lewis Kola.
WHAT I ENJOY DOING THE MOST is helping people improve their lives and enhance the quality of their relationships. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Addiction Counselor, and a Pastoral/Christian Counselor. I hold a Doctoral Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. I completed the Master of Divinity Degree at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. I also did graduate studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and post-graduate studies at Georgia State University. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from American Baptist College (Magnum Cum Laude) in Nashville, Tennessee.
IN COUNSELING, I seek to create an oasis of respect and safety, where you could heal from your past hurts and pain, face your present doubts and fears, and take control of your future and purpose.
EXPERIENCE: I have been practicing professional counseling for close to fifteen years. I am married and have three daughters, two of whom are twins. I enjoy working with families, as they learn to connect better. I have received extensive training in marriage/couple’s counseling. I am approved by the state of Georgia to provide DUI Clinical Evaluation and Level I Treatment. Over the span of twenty years, I have worked in leadership positions with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and Christian religious institutions. I am very skilled in integrating the spiritual aspects with the psychological dimensions of life. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, and families. I would be happy to help you improve your life and to enhance the quality of your relationships.

Doctor of Ministry Spring Opening Worship Service
2022-01-24 11:15 - 12:00 | Virtual
The Doctor of Ministry Program will kick off the week-long 2022 Spring Intensive for its students, which will include a week of programs geared to uplifting the church, ministers, and the congregants. This Sping the Opening Worship Service features Bishop Gregory Ingram of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Opening Worship Service is free and open to the public.
Register for the D.Min Opening Worship Service here.

BISHOP GREGORY GERALD MCKINLEY INGRAM was elected and consecrated the 118th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2000. His first appointment was to the Fifteenth Episcopal District, which at the time comprised Angola, Namibia and most of South Africa. In 2004, his second assignment was to the Tenth Episcopal District, which encompasses the State of Texas. On July 4, 2012, during the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in Nashville, Tenn., Bishop Ingram was assigned to the First Episcopal District, where he presided over seven annual conferences comprising Delaware, New England, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Bermuda. With his retirement from the active ministry the 51st General Conference in July, 2021 Bishop Ingram accepted the invitation to serve as Professor of Leadership and Director of Black Methodism Future Mapping for Payne Theological Seminary.
Committed to the vision he advanced as an aspirant for the Episcopacy, Bishop Ingram has been passionate and intentional in advancing his holistic, multi-dimensional approach to effective living in the three Episcopal Districts he has served. His initial 7-Point Partnership Plan has evolved into a 10-Point Partnership Plan that includes modules on “Health and Healing,” “Stewardship and Fiscal Integrity” and “Church, Community and Civic Involvement.” The 10-Point Partnership Plan has been augmented by Bishop Ingram’s 10 Guideposts strategy for improving every aspect of life for the people of the AME Church. The Guideposts and the latest Partnership Plan have been embraced by and are practiced throughout the First Episcopal District.
Prior to his election to the Episcopacy, Bishop Ingram served as the Senior Minister of Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church in Detroit, Mich. During his 12-and-a-half-year/nearly 13-year pastorate, the church prospered both numerically and financially. Under his compassionate leadership and spiritual direction, 2,600 people united in membership, and more than 1,420 were inspired to become tithers. While pastor of Oak Grove, Bishop Ingram liquidated all church debts, including paying off in five years all costs related to a multi-million-dollar building and expansion project. Upon his election as a bishop, the church treasury was left with more than $1.2 million.
Before being assigned to Oak Grove, Bishop Ingram served as pastor of AME churches in Chicago, Springfield and Alton, Illinois. He also served two years on the religious staff at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Campus.
Bishop Ingram has distinguished himself throughout African Methodism, in particular, and the religious community, in general, for his expertise on stewardship and tithing. He is a dynamic preacher and lecturer. He has authored a number of publications in the Church. Included among them are The S.A.T. Manual on African Methodism: A Study Guide on the Faith, Beliefs, History and Structure of the World’s Oldest Denomination Founded by Blacks, Equipping the Saints for Service, The Joy of Giving More Than Enough and The African Methodist Episcopal Church Pastor’s Journal and Quarterly Conference Record Book.
Bishop Ingram was privileged to chair the General Conference Commission for the 49th Quadrennial Session. He was honored to serve as chairman of the Bicentennial Committee and host bishop for the historic 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was held in Philadelphia, PA, the birthplace of the denomination. As chairman of the Bicentennial Celebration, Bishop Ingram was the complier and editor-in-chief for two significant publications: a 365-day devotional, entitled Moments of Meditation: Celebrating the Bicentennial of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and The Encyclopedia of African Methodism: Bicentennial Edition.
Additionally, Bishop Ingram was the visionary behind the Richard Allen Statue and Memorial Courtyard at Mother Bethel AME Church, as well as the 25-by-45-foot mural of Bishop Richard Allen that graces the exterior of First District Plaza at 38th and Market streets in Philadelphia, where the First Episcopal District is headquartered. Installation of the mural was guided by Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, First District Episcopal Supervisor, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program.
Bishop Ingram holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilberforce University, a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from Antioch College, a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary. His religious, civic, community, professional and social affiliations, past and present are many. Bishop Ingram has been privileged to serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees of The African Methodist Episcopal Church, Inc., as well as board chair of Payne Theological Seminary. He is a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and is a Thirty-Third Degree Mason-Prince Hall Affiliation.
Bishop Ingram is married to Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram. They are the proud parents of one daughter and a beloved son-in-law, Jennifer Eman Keanne and Gregory McCoy, and grandparents of two treasured granddaughters, Jayda Eman and Gabrielle.

Doctor of Ministry Spring Plenary Session I with Dr. Lester A. McCorn
2022-01-25 10:00 - 12:15 | Virtual
The week-long intensive plenary sessions will focus on Black Church Activism. The first session will delve into Activism for the Voiceless. is presented by Dr. Lester A. McCorn.
Register for the Doctor of Ministry Spring Plenary Session I with Dr. Lester A. McCorn here.

Rev. Dr. Lester A. McCorn is a visionary leader, activist, scholar, author, and administrator. He is the 13th President of Clinton College, a private historically Black college (HBCU) founded in 1894 by the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church. The College is in Rock Hill, South Carolina, just south of metropolitan Charlotte, North Carolina. Newly branded as “A Beacon for Leaders,” the New Clinton has experienced dramatic growth in student enrollment and has implemented new programs focused on student success, including a new Academic Success Center. Under his leadership, Clinton College has received several major grants, including a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to address health disparities, a $500,000 Distance Learning Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, and a $400,000 grant from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. The College is currently executing a transformative $25 million campus building program, beginning in the Fall of 2021, with the construction of a new residence hall, dining, hall, president’s residence, and Academic Success Center. In addition to a new online global learning program, the College is expanding in twenty satellite learning centers in rural areas of South Carolina.
Dr. McCorn is a highly sought-after preacher, lecturer, and public speaker. He is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and a former pastor of churches in Baltimore, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston and New Haven, Connecticut. He is the author of “Standing on Holy Common Ground: An Africentric Ministry Approach to Prophetic Community Engagement” (MMGI Press: Chicago).
President McCorn is an alumnus of Morehouse College, Yale Divinity School and Chicago Theological Seminary. He holds the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from United Theological Seminary, where he was a Gardner C. Taylor Fellow in social justice and prophetic leadership and Adjunct Professor/Doctoral Mentor. He is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Ethical and Creative Leadership, with a specialization in Martin Luther King Jr. Studies and Social Change, and a certificate in Educational Leadership at Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has done further study at Boston University School of Theology, University of Chicago Divinity School, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Columbia Theological Seminary. President McCorn was a part of the 2019 cohort of the Harvard University Seminar for New Presidents. He was named one of “The 10 Most Dominant HBCU Presidents of 2019” by the HBCU Campaign Fund. He also holds a certificate in Community Building Strategies from the University of Baltimore.
While a student at Morehouse, Dr. McCorn was featured as a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha step team in the iconic Spike Lee movie “School Daze”. He is married to Mrs. Charlene M. McCorn, an elementary school teacher in Fort Mill, South Carolina. They are the proud parents of four adult children and three grandchildren.

Doctor of Ministry Spring Plenary Session II with Dr. Glenn Dames
2022-01-26 10:00 - 12:15
The week-long intensive plenary sessions will focus on Black Church Activism. The second session will delve into Activism for the Homeless and is presented by Dr. Glenn Dames.
Register for the Doctor of Ministry Spring Plenary Session II with Dr. Glenn Dames here.
Pastor Glenn B. Dames, Jr. has worked diligently as a humble servant, preaching the Gospel and leading God’s people for over 25 years.
Coupled with the support of his wife, Jennifer, Pastor Dames began his spiritual journey as a young boy and has since presided over a number of prestigious congregations. At the early age of 12, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and at 15 he responded to his calling to preach the Gospel. Since then, Pastor Dames has served the church as Youth Pastor of the Historic St. James A.M.E. Church in Orange Park, Florida, Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church in Richmond, Virginia, Brown Memorial A.M.E. Church in Washington, D.C., and in his first full-time charge, he served as Senior Pastor of the Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church in Starke, FL for over five years. Following his service at Mt. Pisgah, Pastor Dames led the people of St. James AME Church, Titusville, FL for 10 years. In November of 2016, Bishop Adam J. Richardson appointed Rev. Dames to serve as the senior pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Tampa Bay, the flagship church of the West Coast Conference.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Rev. Dames is a graduate of Edward Waters College in Jacksonville and The Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia where he earned the Master of Divinity. Rev. Dames also has earned the Doctorate of Ministry at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Humility, compassion, and integrity best describe the ministry of Pastor Dames. Experiencing tremendous growth throughout his career, Pastor Dames has been responsible for initiating after-school tutorial programs, remodeling and redesigning the church buildings and expanding the church’s witness through web technology, billboards and other media.
Pastor Dames’ ministry extends beyond the four walls of the church and into the community. Known affectionately as the Community’s Pastor, Pastor Dames is active and visible in our schools, hospitals, jails, homes, and all facets of city and county government. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, a participant of Save African American Boys, a member of the Sons of Allen of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the former North Brevard Branch NAACP President. Highlighting his commitment to social advocacy, his fight against injustice and love for education, he has been featured in USA Today, Florida Today, Democracy Now, Space Coast Living Magazine, and many other publications. Pastor Dames was also one of the recipients of the 2015 LEAD Brevard’s “4 under 40” awards, the Florida Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) Rev. Harvey L. Riley, Bridge Builders award, and the Florida Education Association (FEA) Martin Luther King, Jr. award for Civil Rights.
Although Reverend Dames is very proud of all his achievements and involvements, he is mostly proud to be a loving husband to Dr. Jennifer Dames and father to two beautiful girls, Detra and Jailynn Dames, and son, Glenn B. Dames, III (Trey).

Doctor of Ministry Spring Plenary Session III with Ms. Tequila Johnson
2022-01-27 10:00 - 12:15 | Virtual
The week-long intensive plenary sessions will focus on Black Church Activism. The third session will delve into Activism for Socioeconomic and Educational Inequity and is presented by Ms. Tequila Johnson.
Register for the Doctor of Ministry Spring Plenary Session III with Ms. Tequila Johnson here.
“Tequila Johnson is an award-winning cause-driven community organizer and strategist whose work focuses on creating equity and increasing civic engagement among Black Americans and other communities of color. She has been recognized for educating communities of color about the political process, relevant economic, social, and political issues, the impacts of impending legislation, and providing people with the tools to exercise self-agency. She has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, on CNN, MSNBC, and around the country. Johnson is the co-founder and co-executive director of The Equity Alliance, a Tennessee-based nonprofit that equips Black and brown citizens with tools and strategies to strengthen their communities and make government work better. In 2018, Johnson served as the statewide manager for the Tennessee Black Voter Project, a statewide coalition of nearly two dozen local nonprofits working together toward the goal of registering 50,000 Black Tennesseans to vote. The group, under Johnson’s leadership, submitted 91,000 voter registration forms. In addition to her involvement in local politics and community organizing, Johnson is also the founder and CEO of The Equity Consulting Group, LLC, a firm specializing in issue advocacy, government relations, community relations, and media strategy.
She served as campaign manager and lead strategist for newcomer Christiane Buggs’s successful Metro Nashville School Board election and has provided strategic oversight, analysis, and field operations for a variety of political organizations. Her Work in and for the community has earned widespread praise and recognition. Her awards include: 2020 Roddenberry Civil Rights Fellow, 2019 Human Rights Coalition Rising Advocate Award, The Nashville Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award 2019; Nashville Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Superstar 2019; the NAACP Ella Baker Power Award 2019; the Women’s Political Collaborative of Tennessee’s Movers and Shakers Award 2018; Nashville Business’ 100 Leading African Americans 2018; Nashville Black 40 Under 40 2018; and Nashville Voice’s 2018 Nashvillian of the Year. Johnson was a featured presenter at the 2018 Healthy and Free Tennessee Reproductive Rights Summit, in 2019 at the national Unrig Summit, and in 2019 at the Muslim Women’s Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Johnson is a graduate of Tennessee State University, where she received her master’s degree in counseling psychology and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology. Additionally, she is a certified project manager and holds a graduate certificate in grant writing and nonprofit, public, and organizational management. She currently serves on the Metro Nashville Industrial Development Board (2020), the sustainable business coalition, and is a Board Member for Creative Girls Rock. When she’s not working, she enjoys singing in her church choir, doing CrossFit, and spending time with her daughter.”

Doctor of Ministry Spring Intensive Panel Discussion
2022-01-28 10:00 - 12:15
The Doctor of Ministry Program will wrap up its week-long intensive with a panel discussion with the week’s guest speakers. Click here to register for the Panel Discussion.

Presiding Elder Conference 2022
2022-03-07 - 2022-03-09 | Thompson Savannah 201 Port Street, Savannah, Georgia, United States, 31401 +1 912 790 1234, 201 Port Street, Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
Payne Seminary has created this training opportunity for those presiding elders with less than five years of experience and a refresher opportunity for those presiding elders that have been an elder for a long time. Payne Seminary, with the help of the Lilly Endowment, will be providing training for presiding elders across the connection.
This training will take place March 7-9, 2022 in Savannah GA at the Thompson Savannah Hotel.
**The First 25 Presiding Elders to register for In-Person will receive all of the above, in addition to Free Lodging, and Travel Reimbursement up to $500.00
Register for the Presiding Elders Conference 2022 here.

Leadership Development Certificate March-June 2024
2024-03-06 18:00 - 2024-06-18 19:30 | Virtual
The Gordon, Hill, Treadwell, and Bell Lay Leadership Institute proudly offers the Leadership Development Certificate for Laity and Clergy. This Leadership Development Certificate allows participants to explore their calling beyond the pew, nurture their spiritual gifts, develop their leadership skills, and learn the importance of centering themselves.
This certificate is a 12-week program taught by four phenomenal leaders and educators who will provide meaningful and thought-provoking assignments designed to develop spiritual leadership skills.
Participants will earn 1.8 Continuing Education Units(CEU)
Registration: $600.00*
Click to Register
*Payment plans available. Contact Charlisha Rankin for more details at crankin@payneseminary.edu
